Malta Is Easing Entry Rules Ahead Of The Summer Tourism Season
As Malta prepares for its busy summer tourism season, authorities are introducing facilitated entry rules for travelers with effect from Monday, May 2, 2022. Read on to find out how this might affect you if you are planning to visit the country in spring or summer.
Malta eases back on entry rules
The small archipelago of Malta has plenty of options to attract international travelers. It has beautiful beaches, intriguing hidden coves, scuba diving adventures and more available along its rugged coastline. Meanwhile, Malta’s coastline also features many marinas, where luxurious yachts and speedboats are moored side by side.
Meanwhile, evidence of former civilizations that lived here can be seen in fascinating historic temples and more. Moreover, Malta’s cities offer historic sites, a shopping experience and restaurants serving the best in local cuisine.
With so much to offer, travelers will no doubt be happy to hear that Malta is easing back on its pandemic entry rules prior to summer.
What is changing in the archipelago?
Among the changes, the requirement to complete a Passenger Locator Form will be dropped. On top of this, a new measure looks to change quarantine rules. Meanwhile, quarantine will only now apply to travelers getting infected with COVID-19. In this case, the traveler must isolate for seven days of the positive test result and this can be extended to a maximum of 10 days.
On top of this, anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19, or is living in the same house as someone who tests positive for the virus is exempt from quarantine. However, this isn’t the case if they experience symptoms themselves.
Other changes in Malta
Among other changes, the requirement to wear a face mask will mostly be dropped by the new measures. The only exceptions are during flights or visiting hospitals and care homes. On top of this, visitors to Malta are free to enjoy Malta’s tourist sites and public spaces as social activities return to pre-pandemic levels.
Current COVID-19 situation in Malta
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Malta recorded 2,047 new coronavirus cases in the last week. This number takes the total positive cases recorded in the country to 91,032 since the start of the pandemic. Of those cases, 693 deaths were recorded, with 13 of them being in the last seven days.
Speaking of the vaccination rate in Malta, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveals that authorities have administered a total of 443,500 primary course vaccinations at the current time. As for the total adult population, 86.2 percent have completed their primary vaccination. Meanwhile, 67.2 percent have received an additional vaccine dose.
Switzerland also changes entry rules
As with Malta, Switzerland also plans to drop its COVID-19 restrictions from May 2. This will allow entry to anyone, regardless of their vaccination status or country of origin. Moreover, the country plans to drop the need to present proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.
These measures come as Swiss authorities recorded high vaccination rates and low COVID-19 infections. During the last week, Switzerland recorded 2,047 positive cases.
According to the State Secretariat for Migration, the entry restrictions currently in place will be lifted from May 2. From that date, the normal rules for entering Switzerland will apply.
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